According to Sky Sports, West Ham have opened talks with Crystal Palace over the potential signing of energetic midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate – with the east Londoners valuing him at around £10million. The Senegal international doesn’t appear to feature prominently in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans and could now be sold to fund further signings amid a summer of lucrative spending at the London Stadium.

Kouyate’s no doubt a solid Premier League player, but is he the right signing for the Eagles who have made just one addition so far this summer? Football FanCast look at the potential consequences – some positive, some negative – of Kouyate making the switch to Selhurst Park…

Double deal agreed with West Ham

Kouyate isn’t the only West Ham player Crystal Palace have been linked with this summer, previous reports from Sky Sports revealing the Eagles’ keenness to sign winger Michail Antonio. There hasn’t been any noteworthy movement on that front, but talks opening between the two clubs regarding Kouyate’s move could facilitate grounds for negotiations over Antonio as well and get what would be an equally important signing over the line.

Antonio isn’t the same calibre as Wilfried Zaha and shouldn’t be expected to fill the potentially departing forward’s void alone. But he’s a decent Premier League player nonetheless who would suit Palace’s dynamic style of play. And even if the Ivory Coast international doesn’t leave this summer, the Eagles are in desperate need of another wide option to increase competition and depth throughout the squad. Valued at £15million, Antonio would be a good addition at modest cost.

More goals added to midfield

James McArthur, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Luka Milivojevic were responsible for 17 of Palace’s 45 Premier League goals last season and Kouyate could well add to that potency from the middle of the park. The energetic midfielder perhaps isn’t perceived as much of a goal threat, but he actually netted nine times during his first two Premier League campaigns, and much of that owes to how he was utilised by the Hammers – more as an offensive box-to-box than a deep-lying anchorman and even a centre-back at times.

Palace’s midfield is all about dynamism and the ability to break forward at speed, and the Kouyate of his first two Premier League seasons fits into that setup perfectly. Of course, there’s a question over whether Roy Hodgson can rekindle that kind of performance out of the Senegalese, but if he managed to get McArthur scoring regularly last season there’s no reason he can’t do the same with Kouyate.

Everton beat Palace to Maxime Gonalons

Worryingly light on depth in the engine room, Palace could certainly do with signing both Kouyate and fellow reported target Maxime Gonalons this summer. But from a player’s perspective, signing one midfielder might leave the other concerned about playing time upon moving to Selhurst Park – especially as Milivojevic and McArthur are likely nailed on for starting berths in the coming campaign anyway.

Everton are also believed to have some interest in the Roma man, and that uncertainty could just see them sneak ahead in the race for Gonalons’ signature. They can easily match Palace’s £8.9million bid and can probably offer him a more lucrative contract as well, not to mention a greater chance of qualifying for European football come the end of the campaign.

So, Palace fans, would you back a swoop for Kouyate? Let us know by voting below…

According to Marca, Everton boss Marco Silva is interested in bringing Villarreal attacker Denis Cheryshev to Goodison Park in this summer’s transfer window.

Cheryshev scored four times for Russia during a very impressive 2018 World Cup, but the 27-year-old is expected to be available for transfer this summer.

The versatile forward joined Villarreal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2016, and managed four goals in all competitions for the Yellow Submarine last term.

Everton are still believed to be in the market for at least one more attacker this summer, and Cheryshev could well fit the bill.

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The Premier League club’s supporters have been reacting to the speculation on social media, and it would be fair to say that they have differing views.

That said, there are many who feel that Cheryshev’s arrival could see 20-year-old Ademola Lookman, who continues to be linked with RB Leipzig, move on ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

A selection of the best Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Arsenal were beaten by reigning champions Manchester City in their Premier League opener.

Unai Emery’s team selection raised a few eyebrows with Petr Cech starting ahead of Bernd Leno in between the sticks and Lucas Torreira beginning on the bench. The Citizens took an early lead when Raheem Sterling was allowed too much space and fired a low shot home. Bernardo Silva wrapped up the win with a lovely volley after the interval.

The decision to start Cech was a strange one. The former Chelsea man has been declining in recent seasons as he approaches the twilight of his career. His inconsistent performances continued against Pep Guardiola’s men, almost allowing Aymeric Laporte to tap home a rebound as well as nearly scoring a bizarre own-goal from a routine pass back.

Leno was recruited from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for and was seen as the perfect replacement for the ex-Czech Republic international. The German was benched for just the third time in his career. Emery insists that Cech will remain his number one and Leno will have to wait for his chance to impress.

Given Emery wants Arsenal to play out from the back, Cech should not be in the starting eleven. He constantly struggles with distribution and puts the Gunners in dangerous situations as a result of his poor passing.

If Arsenal want to be successful this season, Leno needs to be given the number one jersey. The Germany international is much better with the ball at his feet and will only improve at 26-years-old.

It’s time for a change at the Emirates, starting with their goalkeeper.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?

There are a number of Premier League clubs that would like to sign Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Indeed, the 24-year-old was extremely impressive at St James’ Park last season, and he was very unfortunate to miss out on a spot in the England squad for the 2018 World Cup.

It would probably be fair to say that Lascelles is Newcastle’s most saleable asset, meanwhile, and he would fetch a healthy transfer fee if placed on the market.

West Ham United and Liverpool have both been linked with the defender, whilst Leicester City are also said to be monitoring developments, with Harry Maguire’s future still unclear.

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Following Lascelles’ comments on the future of head coach Rafael Benitez, there are a number of Newcastle fans who fear that the defender could be sold on transfer deadline day.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is not exactly the most popular of figures with the club’s supporters, but there would be an absolute meltdown if Lascelles was sold on Thursday.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the club’s fans can be seen below:

Liverpool started their season off with an impressive win over West Ham and go into their game against Crystal Palace on Monday looking to make it two wins out of two.

After their impressive summer business, Liverpool are now City’s prime contenders for the title.

With Keita, Fabinho and Alisson now joining Liverpool’s first XI, Klopp has one of the best squads in world football.

The only area where the Reds could’ve strengthened is in defence to give Virgil van Dijk a top-quality partner. However, with Joe Gomez back and fit, Liverpool might have already found one within their ranks.

Similarly, at right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold has cemented himself as Klopp’s first-choice and on the other side, Andrew Robertson has shown why he is one of the best young fullbacks in the league.

With that in mind, the Mirror is reporting that the young Scot will be offered a new long-term deal to remain at the club.

The Breakdown

Arriving for just £10 million from Hull City last summer, the 24-year-old had a brilliant debut season for Liverpool.

The former Hull City man has three years left on his current deal but with his new contract, he will now earn more than £60,000-a-week.

A typical modern day left-back, Robertson is superb at attacking down the left flank and delivering superb crosses.

Moreover, his all energy, attacking style is in perfect harmony with Klopp’s, as proven by the new contract.

Signing him to a new deal is great business by the Merseyside club.

Liverpool fans – thoughts?

According to The Bristol Post, former West Ham defender, and free agent, James Collins was at Loftus Road on Tuesday, fuelling speculation that the Welshman may be teaming up with Steve McClaren. 

QPR have had a disastrous start to their Championship campaign, already shipping 13 goals in just four games, and desperately need some defensive solidity.

Collins (valued at 900k on Transfermarkt.co.uk) has over 200 Premier League appearances to his name and over 50 Wales caps, meaning he will bring the experience that McClaren will be seeking, after his defence has looked all at sea in their opening fixtures.

Alongside the news that former Swansea right-back Àngel Rangel has joined QPR, The Rs are developing the semblance of a solid defence. Fans at Loftus Road will hope that the addition of those two players will provide a backbone to the team.

Both at the age of 35, neither Collins or Rangel are signings for the future. The chances are that they will only spend one season with The Hoops, but it is a season that could be monumental for the future of the club.

QPR host newly promoted Wigan tomorrow, with Rangel possibly in line to make a start. With the Collins deal not confirmed, it would obviously be too early to see an appearance by the Welshman, but the League Cup fixture midweek may be a good place.

Currently sitting at the bottom of the Championship table without a win, Steve McClaren will know that his job is at risk if results don’t improve dramatically. Securing the signature of Collins would be a step in the direction of recovery.

According to a recent report from The Daily Mirror’s Live Blog (30 August, 03:57), Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United are interested in a move for defender Danny Batth. The 27-year-old currently plays his football at Premier League side Wolves having come up through the ranks at the West Midlands side, for whom he has since appeared on 212 occasions. 

Yet reports suggest that Jos Luhukay’s Wednesday and Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are keen on the £900,000-rated enforcer (as per Transfermarkt), but such are the Owls’ concerns in the defensive department, they simply have to beat their Yorkshire rivals to the centre back’s signature.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, while shipping eight goals from their opening five Championship matches is hardly a defensive crisis, Luhukay’s men have yet to keep a clean sheet in the second tier so far this term, something which certainly needs to change if they are to climb the division and improve upon their 15th place effort last time round.

And having been placed under a transfer embargo for the majority of the summer window, manager Luhukay has been unable to bolster his squad until only recently, but the release of centre back Glenn Loovens has left the Owls slightly short in that department.

And that is why they absolutely must fend off Bielsa’s Leeds to win the race for Wolves defender Batth.

The 27-year-old is a vastly experienced Championship performer having appeared 150 times in the second tier during his career, including 16 times last term to help Nuno Espirito Santo’s side win the title at a canter to thus return to the Premier League.

But in failing to appear for the West Midlands club so far in the top-flight, it’s clear that the Englishman is some way down the pecking order at Molineux and as such could be on the lookout for a new club, and a return to Wednesday may well be of interest to the centre back.

The 27-year-old spent two separate loan spells at Hillsborough earlier in his career while the Owls were in League One, playing a vital part in their promotion-winning season of 2011/12 to help Dave Jones’ men return to the Championship, where they have been playing their football ever since.

Leeds themselves may also be in the market for a centre back in the last knockings of the window in a bid to enhance their promotion hopes, but one could argue that there is a greater likelihood for Batth to command regular football at Wednesday than at Elland Road, such has been the start made by Bielsa’s side.

Nonetheless, it’s clear that the Owls are in need of greater strength in the centre back department, which is why they absolutely have to beat their Yorkshire rivals to the 27-year-old’s signature.

Wednesday and Leeds fans… what do you think? Let us know!

West Ham United should consider returning for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario when the January transfer window opens.

What’s the word?

The 2018-19 Premier League season is only four games old, but pressure is already on Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The Chilean coach is yet to pick up a league win since taking over from David Moyes at the London Stadium.

West Ham have lost to Liverpool, Bournemouth, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers, which has left them rooted to the bottom of the table.

The East London outfit are the only club in the division not to pick up a point, so perhaps they should be looking to potential reinforcements for January.

Why should Mario be on the list?

It is less than ideal to inflate the squad even further after bringing in nine new signings in the summer.

However, if Pellegrini’s team continue to struggle, he may not have a choice but to jump back into the market.

Mario is already familiar with West Ham having spent the second half of last season on loan at the club.

In total, the midfielder – valued at £20.7m by Transfermarkt – made 14 appearances and only contributed with two goals, but he formed a decent link-up with Marko Arnautovic.

West Ham’s midfield is not quite ticking at the moment, and even though Mario did not win over everyone during his loan, he could be just what they need to inject some creativity into the side.

On top of that, injuries could become a problem and having some fresh legs to call upon would be ideal.

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Rangers have emerged from a gruelling Europa League qualifying campaign intact, sealing their spot in the group stages and maintainingÂSteven Gerrard’s unbeaten record.The Scottish giants did not make things easy for themselves in the second leg of the 2-1 aggregate victory over FC Ufa though, drawing 1-1 on the night and finishing the match with just nine men following the dismissals of Alfredo Morelos and Jon Flanagan.There is clearly some work still to do but fans were delighted with the performance of Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent, who was left leading the line on his own after Morelos’ red card but did a superb job in the match in Russia.His displays did not go unnoticed and many supporters took to social media after the match to praise the 21-year-old, a player who faces a battle for regular opportunities in the side up against the likes of Morelos and Kyle Lafferty.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”287921″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch The FPL Show Top value goalkeepers and GW4 captain picks”]We have gathered some of the best reactions from social media below.

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Celtic should take a gamble on young striker Kaylen Hinds after his contract was cancelled by German side Vfl Wolsburg, according to a statement on the club’s website.

What’s the story?

Hinds came through the youth system at Arsenal but failed to make an appearance for the first team before moving to Germany with Wolfsburg in the summer of 2017.

He started his new side’s first game of the 2017/18 season in the German Cup and was then picked for the Bundesliga opener against Borussia Dortmund the following week. Unfortunately for the youngster though that would be the last time he would play for Wolfsburg.

In January this year the young striker was loaned to Bundesliga 2 side Greuther Fürth but he made just one appearance and this summer the 20-year-old claimed that passport problems meant that he couldn’t return to Germany, meaning he was missing from Wolfsburg training for over a month, according to ESPN.

Risk worth taking?

Hinds clearly has had some issues with his attitude but he could still be worth a gamble on a free transfer for Brendan Rodgers and Celtic. The Northern Irishman only has three strikers at his disposal in the form of Leigh Griffiths and youngsters Odsonne Edouard and Michael Johnston so may be looking to add another option.

While at Arsenal, Hinds netted six goals in 18 games for the youth sides to prove he knows where the back of the net is. He also has experience of first team men’s football after a loan spell with Stevenage in 2017.

Celtic haven’t had the best of starts to the season, having been knocked out of the Champions League in the qualifying rounds and the Bhoys currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership, they did however beat Rangers in the Old Firm last weekend. There is no doubt that Hinds would be a risk, but Rodgers must take a chance on the youngster who clearly has the talent to succeed, and who would at least cover the loss of Moussa Dembele.

Celtic fans, who do you think was your signing of the summer? Let us know by voting in our poll below.